At this place: Central Fire Station—a century of service and history in the heart of Vicksburg

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Tucked away on Walnut Street, the Central Fire Station has watched over downtown Vicksburg for 100 years. As the city’s fire department evolved from volunteer crews and hand-drawn pump carts to a full-time professional force with cutting-edge equipment, this historic station has remained at the center of it all, adapting, serving, and bearing witness to the march of time.

When it was completed in November 1925, the Central Fire Station was nothing short of revolutionary for Vicksburg. Designed by architect W.A. Stanton, it was the first station in the city built specifically for motorized fire trucks. This marked a sharp departure from the horse-drawn wagons of the previous era. At the time, it was a bold investment in public safety and infrastructure, reflecting the city’s growth and the increasing demands placed on first responders.

The building’s red brick facade, arched windows, and symmetrical design give it the classic look of early 20th century civic architecture. Over the decades, it has become more than a firehouse. It has also become a Mississippi Landmark and a feature on the National Register of Historic Places. Yet, for all its historic recognition, the station never became a static monument. It remained a vital, working facility, housing fire crews around the clock, even as Vicksburg expanded and modernized around it.

In 1996, the station underwent a significant expansion with the addition of two truck bays and updated office space. The building retained its original character, even as its role grew more complex. By the late 2010s, however, it became clear that the station’s age was catching up with it. Cracked windows, outdated wiring, and narrow spaces designed for smaller equipment became ongoing concerns. A major window restoration project in 2019 helped preserve the station’s structural integrity without compromising its historical appearance.

The Old Court House Museum has an impressive collection of historic photos taken in the Vicksburg and Warren County area. If you are ever interested in getting a vintage photo printed for your home or business, contact the staff at the Old Court House Museum and they can make it happen.

Starting in 2022, Chris Bolm began to take images from the Old Court House Museum‘s photo collections and pinpoint their current locations and replicate the shot. Bolm named the series “Then and Now.”